Nicly done, as a blacksmith myself I know what it takes to forge cable damascus. Crane cable makes a good blade, however if you can get oilfield cable it is often O-1. You cam do the weld forge to about 85% finished shape aneal the plade in a box of lime or ashes then go to heat treating with an oil quench. If you are forging to shape however remember to stay at welding heat or near welding heat or it will go cold short on you (crack or crumble) I use HCL as an etch and nutrilize with baking soda then hit it with about 6 seasions of a good quality cold bluing.

Weasel
Owner and Mastersmith at Iron Rose Forge